Photos

Design

The Mitsubishi F1M was designed to be a catapult launched observation floatplane. It was to meet a late 1934 Imperial Japanese Navy specification for a replacement for the Nakajima E8N1. Aichi and Kawanishi also tried to meet the requirements. Kawanishi withdrew and Aichi's was inadequate.

The Mitsubishi design team was lead by Joji Hattori.

A couple problems the F1M had was it would often porpoise in water and directional stability in flight.

Construction

The F1M was of all metal construction with the control surfaces being covered by fabric.

Floats

There was a main, central, float, and two stabilizers attached to the lower wing.

Upgrade

The F1M2 was a major redesign that appeared in 1939.

Prototype

The prototype was designated the Ka-17, F1M1 by the military, and first flew in June 1936.

Variety of Duties

The F1M was very versatile and was used as a coastal patrol, convoy escort, search and rescue, ocean patrol, transport, anti submarine, interceptor, dive bomber, and bombing. It could be operated from water bases and ships.

The F1M was an aircraft carrier based aircraft that was used the most by the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Battle of Midway

Two F1M2s were launched from the Kirishima during the Battle of Midway.